18Forty Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Trauma of War: Mental Health Professionals in Israel Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk about mental health amid the current war with Dr. Danny Brom of Metiv, Mike Meyerheim and Susan Cohen of KeepOlim, Rabbi Reuven Taragin of Acheinu, Dr. Ayala Dayan, Dr. Jacob Freedman, and three students spending a gap year in Israel.
In this episode we discuss:

What is the science of war-induced trauma?
How can we meet the emotional needs of “lone soldiers”?
How can we maintain unity during frightening times?

Tune in to hear a conversation about the resiliency that has enabled the Jewish people to stay together for millenia.
Interview with Danny Brom begins at 7:55.
Interview with Mike Meyerheim and Susan Cohen begins at 32:66.
Message from Ayala Dayan begins at 51:38.
Interview with Reuven Taragin begins at 1:00:20.
Interviews with students begin at 1:08:56.
Interview with Jacob Freedman begins at 1:13:43.
References:
Metiv
Psalms 126
KeepOlim
Acheinu
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Living in the Presence: A Jewish Mindfulness Guide to Everyday Life by Benjamin Epstein
Mindfulness: A Jewish Approach by Dr. Jonathan Feiner
Off The Couch by Jacob L. Freedman
Me and Uncle Baruch by Jacob L. Freedman
Reading Jewish History in the Parsha with David Bashevkin
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Voices from Israel Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we listen to the voices of several of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael, including Naama, Tania Hammer, Gedalia Zemel, Rabbi Dov Fendel, Rav Elyada Goldvicht, Rabbanit Rachelle Fraenkel, Jeremy and Emily Tibbetts, Sruli Fruchter, and our dearest friend Denah Emerson.
In light of the terror attacks, everyone in Israel has been called to help in whatever way possible, and they’ve proven that heroism is a team effort and can take place in unexpected forms. In this episode we discuss:

How do we stay collectively anchored during upside-down times?
Does God cry?
How can we stay strong in the face of crisis?

Tune in to hear the stories of those who have been on the ground during this transformative event.
Guest messages begin at 16:54.
References:
Numbers 10
Jerusalem Talmud: Shekalim 6
Chagigah 5b
Psalms 30
To support the incredible work of our guests like Tania and get much needed supplies to chayalim, please consider a donation to the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Center.
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Reading Jewish History in the Parsha Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

This podcast was recorded before the recent horrific terrorism against Israel and unspeakable atrocities inflicted upon the Jewish People. We decided to share this Torah initiative now to encourage learning the parsha each week for the protection and success of the State of Israel. Am Yisrael Chai.
This episode is sponsored by Janet and Lior Hod and family, with immense gratitude to Hashem.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we introduce our new initiative “Reading Jewish History in the Parsha.” Each week, David Bashevkin will take you through the original "I Read This Over Shabbos," in this series of shiurim and essays on the All Parsha app and on Substack.
Here, we speak to Rabbi Moshe Schwed, creator of All Parsha. Tune in to hear about shnayim mikrah and the art of translation.
Interview with Moshe Schwed begins at 28:55.
Rabbi Schwed serves as the Director of the OU Daf Yomi Initiative. After receiving semicha from Beth Medrash Govoha, Rabbi Schwed taught in Yeshiva Gedolah Kesser Torah. Rabbi Schwed is an alumnus of Yeshivos Long Beach and Brisk.
References:
Why Pick On Me? by Louis Sachar
Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen
@ShabbosReads
Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim
Exodus 1:1
Megillah 9a
Printer's Error: Irreverent Stories from Book History by Rebecca Romney
The Art of Bible Translation by Robert Alter
The Living Torah by Aryeh Kaplan
Community, Covenant And Commitment: Selected Letters And Communications by Joseph B. Soloveitchik
Likutei Moharan 19
Tiferet Yisrael 13
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Pray for Israel Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

In times like these, it feels impossible to find words.
No individual has words to describe this horror, but we—the Jewish People—do have words.
We turn to the only words we have left: words of prayer, of comfort, of our prophets, and of Torah.
We are with Israel in love, support, and prayer. May God protect the Jewish People.
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Estrangement and Reconciliation: Teshuva for Our Relationships [Teshuva 5/5] Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by Dr. Leah Younger of Younger Psychology.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to psychologist Dr. Joshua Coleman, about the nuances of familial estrangement and reconciliation.
Then, we hear from mindset coach Jason Blau and translator Izzy Posen about how these issues play out within the Jewish community. In this episode we discuss:

What strategies can be employed by families carrying the burden of strife and negativity?
What are the common triggers of family estrangement, and how can those in strained relationships move forward?
What is the role of family in a world of optionality?

Tune in to hear a conversation about how we can make peace with the “ghosts” of our past.
Interview with Joshua Coleman begins at 8:54.
Interview with Jason Blau begins at 54:42.
Interview with Izzy Posen begins at 1:15:42.
Dr. Joshua Coleman is a psychologist in private practice and a Senior Fellow with the Council on Contemporary Families, an organization of sociologists, historians, psychologists and demographers dedicated to providing the public with the latest research and best practice findings about American families. He has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and other publications, and often speaks on television about issues of estrangement, relationships, and families. Dr. Coleman also writes music for television which has been used on many shows.
References:
“Of Ghosts and Ancestors” by Ari Berman
“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown
Where to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day by Anne Katherine
Why Won't You Apologize?: Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts by Harriet Lerner
The Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships by Harriet Lerner
Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict by Joshua Coleman
When Parents Hurt: Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Grown Child Don't Get Along by Joshua Coleman
“The Family Reunion” by Izzy Posen
Genesis 46
“הַמַּלְאָךְ" by Izzy Posen
"Daddy Come Home" by The Yeshiva Boys Choir
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Rabbi Michael Rosensweig: The Majesty of Torah Study [Teshuva 4/5] Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

This series is sponsored by our friends Mira and Daniel Stokar.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Michael Rosensweig, a Rosh Yeshiva and the Rosh Kollel of the Beren Kollel Elyon at RIETS, about how we can return as a people to the world of Torah study.
Rabbi Rosensweig is the author of the recently published book Mimini Mikhael - Essays on Yom Kippur and Teshuvah, which is the centerpiece of this conversation. In this episode we discuss:

How does teaching Torah to a broad audience compare with teaching high-level students?
What should we hope to achieve on Yom Kippur?
What is the relationship between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?

Tune in to hear a conversation about how a teshuva sheleima begins with a return to the majesty of Torah.
Interview begins at 11:47.
Rabbi Dr. Michael Rosensweig is a Rosh Yeshiva and the Rosh Kollel of the Beren Kollel Elyon at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) at Yeshiva University. Rabbi Rosensweig is one of the foremost Talmudists in the world today, and studied under Rabbi Joseph B. Soleveitchik and Rav Aharon Lichtenstein. Rabbi Rosensweig received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Medieval Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, where he wrote his dissertation under Rabbi Dr. Haym Soloveitchik.
References:
Mimini Mikhael - Essays on Yom Kippur and Teshuvah by Rabbi Dr. Michael Rosensweig
Halakhic Man by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik
Sefer Mishnas Avraham by Avraham Aharon Price
Sefer Madda by Maimonides
Hosea 14
Nefesh HaChayim, Gate IV, 31 by Chaim of Volozhin
“Elu va-Elu Divre Elokim Hayyim: Halakhic Pluralism and Theories of Controversy” by Michael Rosensweig
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Infidelity: Consequences and Aftermath [Teshuva 3/5] Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

This series is sponsored by our friends Mira and Daniel Stokar.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to an anonymous guest about infidelity and its consequences and aftermath. Additionally, we receive the expertise of clinical psychologist Dr. Malika Bhowmik, on re-establishing intimacy after violations of trust.
We love to tell teshuva stories that have perfect and happy endings, but sometimes the most meaningful teshuva does not fix all of one’s problems immediately. In this episode we discuss:

What does it mean to save a relationship that can no longer continue?
How does one rebuild their religious identity after having their “good guy” image destroyed?
Should an unfaithful spouse “come clean,” or should they “bear the brunt of the guilt” in secret?

Tune in to hear a conversation about how we can strengthen our essential relationships and revitalize the excitement, joy, and sweetness of our religious lives.
Interview with our anonymous guest begins at 16:10.
Interview with Dr. Bhowmik begins at 1:49:00.
Dr. Malika Bhowmik is a clinical psychologist in private practice, where she works with individuals and couples. Dr. Bhowmik received her doctorate in clinical psychology at the Graduate Center at City University of New York, where she wrote her dissertation on “A Grounded Theory Investigation of the Subjective Responses From Partners in Couples Where Infidelity Has Occurred.” Dr. Bhowmick was mentored by Esther Perel, LMFT, one of the most acclaimed thinkers and therapists on relationships, especially after crisis.
References:
Sin•a•gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought by David Bashevkin
ברגז רחם תזכור by David Bashevkin
Sexaholics Anonymous: White Book
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Single On Purpose: Redefine Everything. Find Yourself First by John Kim
Lamentations 5
Genesis 3
Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
After the Affair: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful by Janis A. Spring
The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity by Esther Perel
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Martha Minow: When Law Should Forgive: On the Limitations of Teshuva [Teshuva 2/5] Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by our friends at Shikey Press, a boutique publisher of Jewish content disrupting the traditional model of book publishing.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Martha Minow, a legal scholar and a professor at Harvard Law School, about forgiveness, law, and the boundaries of teshuva.
In a world of ubiquitous transgression, our desire for justice and healing feels perpetually unsatisfied. Why is reconciliation seemingly so hard to get right? In this episode we discuss:

How is doing teshuva different from confessing in court?
What is the role of reparations in reconciliation?
Why is forgiveness such an important part of human culture?

Tune in to hear a conversation about why teshuva transcends our systems of justice.
Interview begins at 17:13.
Martha Minow is a legal scholar and professor at Harvard Law School, where she has taught since 1981. Martha serves as the 12th dean of Harvard Law School, was a candidate mentioned to replace Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens upon his retirement, and has served as chair of the MacArthur Foundation. Martha clerked for Judge David Bazelon of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and then for Justice Thurgood Marshall of the Supreme Court of the United States, and is the author of many articles and books on matters of civil procedure, constitutional law, and human and religious rights.
References:
“Warren Studies Talmudic Law Here”
The Rabbi As Symbolic Exemplar by Jack H. Bloom
Makkot 13b
When Should Law Forgive? by Martha Minow
Netivot Olam, Netiv Hatshuva 2
Resisei Layla 3
Takanat HaShavin 8
The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal
On Apology by Aaron Lazare
Mea Culpa: A Sociology of Apology and Reconciliation by Nicholas Tavuchis
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Rav Daniel Kalish: The Song of Teshuva [Teshuva 1/5] Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by our anonymous friend R.G.
In this episode of the18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Daniel Kalish, Menahel of the Mesivta of Waterbury, about how, with the right help, every person can forge their own path of religious commitment. We also get to meet five of Rabbi Kalish’s students, as well as a Mesivta of Waterbury dorm counselor.
In a Jewish world full of pre-blazed trails, one of the great challenges of our time is the task of harnessing our passions to find our own way. In this episode we discuss:

How can teenagers acquire a newfound fire in their spiritual lives?
What goes into a positive parent-child relationship?
What is the relationship between song, teshuva, and Torah?

Tune in to hear a conversation about how all of us have the power to find the song of teshuva in our lives.
Interview begins at 18:12.
Rabbi Daniel Kalish is the Menahel of the Mesivta of Waterbury. Rav Kalish has gained wide acclaim for his radical warmth, creative approach with his students, and genuine openness to students of widely varying stages of life. Rav Kalish is beloved by many students who have learned from him from close and far, and is seen as innovative in his insistence on unconditional acceptance of students above all else.
References:
#MKY מי כעמך ישראל
Tractate Nedarim
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
“Stone Cave” by Waterbury Mesivta
“Tatty My King” by Waterbury Mesivta
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'Everything About Her Was Worth It': The Life of Yakira Leeba Schwartz A"H Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Dani and Nechamie Silberberg-Chitrik, in appreciation of the 18Forty Podcast and the work it does in having meaningful and thought-provoking conversations across all areas of Jewish life.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Sara and Avi Schwartz about the life and loss of their daughter, Yakira Leeba Schwartz A”H. Additionally, we speak with Shelley and Ruvan Cohen about Nathaniel Cohen A”H.
As we move toward Tisha B'Av, we hear two stories of how chesed has brought comfort to individuals enduring the most devastating losses. In this episode we discuss:

What does it mean to live the fullest life possible with a disease such as muscular dystrophy?
What is it like to care for a child who is very sick?
What occurs during the days after the loss of a child?

Tune in to hear a conversation about how we stay anchored and full of faith and loving-kindness amid the most difficult times.
Shelley and Ruvan Cohen interview begins: 11:40.
Sara and Avi Schwartz interviews begin at 57:29.
References:
Pirkei Avot 1:2
“A Mother’s Kaddish: Mourning for My Son, From the Women’s Section” by Shelley Richman Cohen
Elokai Neshama
Lamentations 3
Rashi on Lamentations 3:21
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